BMKG Forecasts Cloudy Skies Across Major Indonesian Cities Today
BMKG forecasts cloudy skies across major Indonesian cities Thursday, with haze, rain and thunderstorms possible in several areas.
Southeast Asia is grappling with a major air quality emergency as wildfires in Indonesia's Kalimantan provinces send pollution levels soaring to hazardous levels, according to reports. The haze is spreading across borders, choking cities like Metro Manila with acutely unhealthy air, according to Channel NewsAsia (CNA) and Inquirer.
Indonesia is the epicenter of the crisis, with air quality readings in Central and West Kalimantan reaching over 300, classified as hazardous. Palangkaraya recorded an AQI of 780, while Pontianak had an AQI of 593. More than five million people on Borneo and Sumatra are exposed to the risks of the haze, with around 13,500 people already treated for respiratory infections in July and August.
The Indonesian military and government agencies are now engaged in reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts in East and North Kalimantan. Japan has deployed a transport ship and 600 personnel to assist in firefighting efforts, marking the Self-Defense Forces' first overseas mission. Meanwhile, the Philippines is experiencing acutely unhealthy air across Metro Manila, with AQI levels ranging from 207 to 296, affecting outdoor activities for most individuals.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources advised the public to wear N95 masks and limit outdoor activities, especially for those sensitive to air pollution.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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